January 2012
Dear Azule's friends,
By now you know we are here, don't you?
But where is here?
Where is home?
AZULE is situated in the beautiful APPALACHIAN mountains, 50 miles from the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY and a mile from the APPALACHIAN TRAIL. AZULE is part of the small community of BLUFF in MADISON COUNTY, next to HOT SPRINGS where you can find the FRENCH BROAD RIVER, its rapids and very WARM SPRINGS. AZULE is a perfect MOUNTAIN RETREAT.
The mission of AZULE is "To Provide An Environment Where Artists and Community Meet, Work And Learn Together Through The Arts In Their Many Forms". And one of the ways we live our mission is through offering the place for residencies, retreats, meetings and learning opportunities.
Visit our website www.AZULE.org
For a visit, call Camille at 828-622-3533.
To inquire for a residency or a retreat, call Gwylene at 843-607-5811.
Dear Azule's friends,
By now you know we are here, don't you?
But where is here?
Where is home?
AZULE is situated in the beautiful APPALACHIAN mountains, 50 miles from the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY and a mile from the APPALACHIAN TRAIL. AZULE is part of the small community of BLUFF in MADISON COUNTY, next to HOT SPRINGS where you can find the FRENCH BROAD RIVER, its rapids and very WARM SPRINGS. AZULE is a perfect MOUNTAIN RETREAT.
The mission of AZULE is "To Provide An Environment Where Artists and Community Meet, Work And Learn Together Through The Arts In Their Many Forms". And one of the ways we live our mission is through offering the place for residencies, retreats, meetings and learning opportunities.
Visit our website www.AZULE.org
For a visit, call Camille at 828-622-3533.
To inquire for a residency or a retreat, call Gwylene at 843-607-5811.
AZULE is aware of the quality of its grounds and its priceless water. Board members Camille Shafer, the great "Builder" of the place, and Christopher Jayne, landscape architect and botanist are establishing small ponds and falls to capture more spring water in the gulley on the east side of the main house. Helping them are Kevin Duckett, a 7th generation local, landscaper and Andrew Hesed, artist and stone worker.
Students from the Outdoor Program of DAVIDSON COLLEGE have helped to clear the gulley from some of its invading plants this past summer. We will need volunteers this year as well to maintain and develop the grounds. Do not hesitate to contact us.
The old tobacco barn has been consolidated. Its porch will be available for primitive camping soon. Imagine waking up hearing sounds of the water jumping over the rocks. Before your eyes, discover the seasonal scenery!
WHO IS BEHIND THE SCENE AT AZULE?
In each newsletter we will now present Board Members and Friends of AZULE. Here are two North Carolinians who have been Board Members since 1994.
Harold FINLEY was a farmer and is now a landscaper, grading contractor and community developer. He has been a life long resident of Bluff community. Married in 1974 with Sadie Thomas, he has three children and two grand children. He has worked with Camille and Dave Shafer on the grounds of Azule for almost forty years. He considered his work to be his hobby.
WHO IS BEHIND THE SCENE AT AZULE?
In each newsletter we will now present Board Members and Friends of AZULE. Here are two North Carolinians who have been Board Members since 1994.
Harold FINLEY was a farmer and is now a landscaper, grading contractor and community developer. He has been a life long resident of Bluff community. Married in 1974 with Sadie Thomas, he has three children and two grand children. He has worked with Camille and Dave Shafer on the grounds of Azule for almost forty years. He considered his work to be his hobby.
Betsy REISER moved to the Western North Carolina Mountains with her artist husband, young son, and two dogs in the mid-70's from Miami, Florida. They lived in the country pursuing their interests in gardening, art, music, health and natural foods. Remodeling a building in downtown Asheville for a natural foods café led to other real estate projects, and eventually Betsy found herself an executive as the owner and broker-in-charge of a small real estate company. As a self-proclaimed "house voyeur", it turns out that this was a pretty good career path. Betsy believes that Camille Shafer's incredible creation in Spring Creek, which now houses AZULE, is one of the most interesting, inspiring, and organic structures she has seen in her long career of house viewing. She is presently the secretary of the Board.
As you see, at AZULE, although we are not all artists, we are all artists! pursuing a dream of seeing AZULE to live fully its mission: "To Provide An Environment Where Artists and Community Meet, Work And Learn Together Through The Arts In Their Many Forms". And one of the ways we live our mission is through offering the place for residencies, retreats, meetings and learning opportunities.
As the Colorado Art Ranch, a similar rural residency program, says: AZULE "does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability." To learn more about the work of artists in the South, especially those who work in community, subscribe to the Alternate ROOTS newsletter at www,alternateroots.org
The season at AZULE reopens in March. Check out all our proposals on our website. Apply for residencies, retreats, specialized visits and volunteers' opportunities. AZULE is young and loves to see its energy - and ideas - meet yours. You are always welcome. Forward this newsletter to your friends or send us their e-mail address.
As you see, at AZULE, although we are not all artists, we are all artists! pursuing a dream of seeing AZULE to live fully its mission: "To Provide An Environment Where Artists and Community Meet, Work And Learn Together Through The Arts In Their Many Forms". And one of the ways we live our mission is through offering the place for residencies, retreats, meetings and learning opportunities.
As the Colorado Art Ranch, a similar rural residency program, says: AZULE "does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability." To learn more about the work of artists in the South, especially those who work in community, subscribe to the Alternate ROOTS newsletter at www,alternateroots.org
The season at AZULE reopens in March. Check out all our proposals on our website. Apply for residencies, retreats, specialized visits and volunteers' opportunities. AZULE is young and loves to see its energy - and ideas - meet yours. You are always welcome. Forward this newsletter to your friends or send us their e-mail address.
GUESS WHAT CAMILLE SHAFER IS DOING WITH HER BLUE BOTTLE?
LET US KNOW! And see you soon. The board of Azule.
Visit our website www.AZULE.org
For a visit, call Camille at 828-622-3533.
To inquire for a residency or a retreat, call Gwylene at 843-607-5811.
Remember AZULE new e-mail address is azuleart@gmail.com
Send us your news, comments, hopes, connections as well as your applications for residencies, retreats, meetings or volunteer work. Camille - the great "Builder" of the place - new address is
azulebluecamille@gmail.com
Visit our website www.AZULE.org
For a visit, call Camille at 828-622-3533.
To inquire for a residency or a retreat, call Gwylene at 843-607-5811.
Remember AZULE new e-mail address is azuleart@gmail.com
azulebluecamille@gmail.com
